Performance is significantly less satisfying. A simple shortage of power overwhelms the Fiat 500L engine, despite its turbocharging and seemingly ample torque output. Not only is the wagon comparatively tall and heavy, its blunt front end is practically the opposite of aerodynamic. When accelerating to pass on the highway, entering a freeway, or coping with swift-moving traffic, the driver has to extract every morsel of power to get the job done.

Fuel economy is only average, at best. The 500L is EPA-rated at 22/30 mpg City/Highway, or 25 mpg Combined. In an era when the Honda Fit is estimated around 10 mpg higher, a 25-mpg Combined rating fails to impress.

Walk Around

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Unconventional may be the mildest way to describe the 500L, which bears no discernible resemblance to the cuddly little Fiat 500 hatchback. Mild front/rear restyling for 2018 updated the design somewhat, but the overall shape lacks cohesiveness.

Tall and awkward-lookingh, the 500L boasts plenty of glass for easy visibility. But this wagon’s unorthodox roofline and blunt front end don’t necessarily draw praise from all quarters. The Trekking adds several distinctive details, led by black lower sill and wheel-arch accent moldings.

Interior Overview

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A tall roofline gives the 500L plenty of head clearance and shoulder space for four adults, but five will be less comfortable. Of course, the 500L boasts 42 percent more total interior volume than the tiny 500 hatchback, which barely manages four people.

While the 500L’s exterior may look startling, its cabin is ordinary. In addition to large physical knobs, the dashboard has gained a bigger (7.0-inch) touchscreen for 2018. Cupholders and the gearshift lever occupy different positions on the reworked console. Navigation, standard in upper trim levels, might be helpful, but it’s a primitive system.

Front seats are short on comfort, with hard seat cushions. The driving position is awkward. The steering wheel is relatively horizontal. Drivers might have trouble attaining a comfortable position, without impeding the ability to see the instruments. Outward visibility excels, due to the abundant glass area.

Second-row occupants sit higher off the floor than those up front. Legroom is abundant for most riders, and adequate for taller folks. Cushioning is firm, but the back seat reclines. It also slides forward and back, and can tumble forward.

Two roller suitcases fit into the cargo hold, whose volume totals 22.4 cubic feet. Folding the rear seatbacks expands space to 68 cubic feet. A floor panel can slide into upper side rails to provide a hidden compartment. Elsewhere in the cabin, storage space is limited.

Summary

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The Fiat 500L offers a good value in terms of features. It’s a quirky car and doesn’t reach the bar set by comparable small wagons and hatchbacks. Some folks will adore it, but many may want to steer clear.

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.